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Plan your happy days

Short answer

Late April to early June and September to October are the sweet spots: warm water, fewer crowds. Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), under 30 minutes away. Stay on the west end for quiet, Front Beach Road for walkability, or Thomas Drive for marinas and St. Andrews.

When to go

Spring

March to May

March is spring break, with beach alcohol rules in force. April brings jazz and festivals; May is warm, green and not yet packed.

Summer

June to August

Hot, busy and the warmest water. Expect afternoon thunderstorms, and book rooms and dinners ahead.

Fall

September to November

Warm water, thinner crowds and October's festivals. Hurricane season runs through November 30, so keep plans flexible.

Winter

December to February

Quiet, mild and cheap. Too cool to swim for most people, but lovely for walking, fishing and shelling.

Getting here

By air: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is less than 30 minutes from the beach, with flights on American, Delta, Southwest and United to cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Nashville and New York (seasonal routes vary).

By car: Most people arrive on Panama City Beach Parkway (US 98), which runs inland of Front Beach Road, the slower road along the sand.

Getting around

  • Most visitors drive or use rideshare. Traffic on Front Beach Road is slow on summer evenings and rally weekends.
  • The Bay Town Trolley runs Monday to Saturday, 6 am to 8 pm. Call (850) 769-0557 for routes and fares.
  • Bikes and street-legal low-speed vehicles are popular for short hops; follow the posted rules for each road.

Where to stay

  • West end and Laguna Beach: quieter, more houses than towers, close to Camp Helen.
  • Central Front Beach Road: walk to Pier Park, the city pier and Dog Beach.
  • Thomas Drive and the Grand Lagoon: marinas, seafood restaurants and the shortest drive to St. Andrews State Park.

Two seasons to know about

Spring break (March): alcohol isn't allowed on the sandy beach, drinking in commercial parking lots is banned, and nightly alcohol sales end at 2 am. Expect a heavy police presence in late March and early April.

Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30): most weeks are uneventful, but storms can form fast. Check the National Hurricane Center before you travel, and follow Bay County Emergency Management if a storm is coming.

Questions people ask

What is the closest airport to Panama City Beach?

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), less than 30 minutes from the beach. American, Delta, Southwest and United fly there.

What is the best month to visit Panama City Beach?

May and September are hard to beat: warm Gulf water, lighter crowds than summer and lower rates. Go in October if you love festivals.

Is there public transportation in Panama City Beach?

The Bay Town Trolley runs Monday to Saturday, 6 am to 8 pm. Most visitors drive or use rideshare. Call (850) 769-0557 for routes.

When is hurricane season in Panama City Beach?

June 1 to November 30, with the most activity from August to October. Consider travel insurance and watch the forecast in the week before you go.

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